
J'i- ■ f" 

11 :- 



; ■■ -{ 





^ 



/^>^' 




// /--^w 



"/ ^ /i>-y -^^^^ 



V/yix. 




<fer< 



m 



i LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, 









^ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. % 



THE SPIRIT WORLD, 



A POEM; 



AND 



SCENES FROM THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 



BY 



JOSEPH H. WYTHES. 



ti 



^^ 



« ^•^ » 



PHILADELPHIA; 
1849, 



7533 4 t^ 




i 



Entered in conformity with the Act of Congress, by 

JOSEPH H. AVYTHES, 

In the year 1S49, in the clerk's office of the Eastern District of Peiui- 

sylvania. 



U, S. Job Printing OiEce, Ledger Building. 



PREFACE. 



The following effusions were written in those in- 
tervals of leisure which could be spared from other 
pursuits. They are presented to the public with 
the hope that they may be found subservient to 
the interests of enlightened piety. 

The object of "The Spirit World" is to unite 
the discoveries of astronomical science with con- 
sistent and Scriptural ideas respecting the powers, 
condition, and probable employment of disembodied 
spirits ; so as to illustrate the plan of Divine Pro- 
vidence among men, and assist in forming a definite 
conception of a future state. 

As this is the writer's first attempt to sing before 
the public, there will doubtless be found blemishes, 
both in matter and composition ; but he rests upon 
the principle which made the widow's mite accept- 
able to the Saviour : — " She hath done what she 
could." 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 






PAGE. 

Idea of a future state universal 9 

Death- bed scene 11 

Sensations of the disembodied 12 

Visions of angels 13 

Re-appearance of the departed » 14 

The grove 21 

The song of welcome 22 

Occupation of guardian spirits 23 

Powers of spirits 24 

Argument for a gradual flight to heaven 25 

A city by moonlight 31 

A band of wicked souls 32 

The votary of Fashion , .... 32 

The miser 33 

The hypocrite 33 

The usurer 34 

A pious youth 36 

A rich sinner 38 

Sabbath morning 43 

Sunday school children 43 

A chieftain of hell 44 

The pulpit guarded 46 

Studies of spirits 47 

The hymn of praise 48 

Glories of the firmament .^. , 53 

A binary system ; 54 



VI CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 

A beautiful planet and its inhabitants 54 

History of the earth and redemption 56 

The ancestor of a pure race 62 

The centre of the universe 65 

Hell 65 

Eternal Death 69 

Argunnent for the justice of punishment 70 

Meeting with spirits from heaven. 75 

The heavenly landscape 75 

Enoch 76 

Elijah 76 

Abraham 77 

Moses 77 

David and Isaiah 77 

Paul 78 

The martyrs 78 

The New Jerusalem 79 

Conclusion of the Spirit World 81 

Notes 82 

The Nativity 87 

Christ with the Doctors 90 

Christ's Baptism 91 

The Leper 94 

The Widow's Son Raised 97 

The Tempest Calmed 99 

The Agony in the Garden 100 

The Crucifixion 103 

The Resurrection 105 



THE SPIRIT WORLD 



BOOK I 



ARGUMENT. 



The Introduction treats of the universality of the idea of a future 
state. A death-bed scene. The glories of the ui>iverse are re- 
vealed to the released spirit. Meeting with the spirit of the 
departed, and their conversation. 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 

BOOK I. 

How firmly fixed in every human heart 
Are cheering thoughts of immortality ! 
When earthly wo has spread a pall around 
Our cherished joys, the voice of Hope is heard, 
Charming the mind to peace and tranquil joy ; 
Then Fancy comes, with pencil dipped in light, 
To paint the bliss which Time may soon reveal. 
Where throbs a heart bereaved and sorrowful — 
'Mid fields of ice, or in the torrid zone. 
In desert sands, or on the fertile plain — 
The blessed power of future life is known. 
Though sin may stain the soul with crimson guilt, 
Yet Conscience stands in threatening attitude. 
With warning finger pointing to the scenes 

A 



10 THE SPIEIT WOPwLD. 

Of coming wrath. Vainly the sinner strives 

For ease in crime, with such a monitor. 

But Fancy, Hope, and Conscience, would not prove 

A future state, without the Book of God. 

This is Hope's charter, this gives Fancy power, 

And this arms Conscience with authority. 

This partly lifts the veil, which else had hung 

Before our eyes, concealing from our view 

The spirit-world. Taught by the sacred page, 

Our minds behold bright scenes of glory rise 

For all the good, or Wrath, with open scroll 

Containing all our sins, his eyes severe 

Watching the dial for our time to end, 

That he may strike the blow by Justice named. 

Oft, too, at midnight's hour, our souls commune 

With spirits disenthralled from earth and sense. 

Such visions I rehearse : — a theme unsung 5 

Though worthy of the skill of those whose lyres 

Nations have heard well pleased, and praise decreed. 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 



11 



Yet though an humbler hand attempts to touch 

With trembling fingers such melodious chords, 

'T will find an echo in the soul of man. 

This thought inspires my heart, impelled to sing 

By some controlling power which prompts the strain. 

'T was on a summer eve j — the setting sun 

Had cast a brilliant beam upon the clouds, 

And gilded all the sky j upon the earth 

The zephyrs scarcely moved the smallest leaf. 

But all was calm and quiet ; such as when 

The gentle shepherds watched on Bethlehem's plain. 

And angels sang, 'mid universal peace, 

The blessed tidings of " Good will to men." 

Methought I lay upon the bed of death. 

Breathing in pain, its cold sweat on my brow. 

My friends, in silence, clustered round my bed, 

To whom I gave the farewell charge of love. 

And bade them meet me in a better world ; 

a2 



12 THE SPIRIT WORLD. 

For I was joyous, filled with hopes of heaven : — 
Death has no terrors for the Christian's soul, 
His sting 's extracted and his mighty dart 
Was blunted by its task on Calvary. 
Then soon my voice began to fall away, 
And life's sustaining current seemed to freeze. 
My stiffening limbs no more obeyed my will, 
And with a rattling noise I gasped for breath. 
My eyes were glazed. My heart refused to beat. 
My spirit passed the bounds to mortals given. 

But, as I sank in death, a better life 
Opened before my soul — a life of love. 
And bliss divine, eternal, unalloyed. 
An atmosphere of pure ethereal light 
Surrounded me, infusing strength and joy. 
As when a bird, uncaged by friendly hands. 
Sets forth on vigorous wing, I upward sprang ; 
And marvellous glories saw, as on I soared. 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 



13 



Earth's sister-train of planetary orbs. 

And worlds beyond their sphere, as far as light 

From depths profound can penetrate to man ; — 

Clusters of stars, by distance much compressed ; 

And e'en those cloudy spots, whose mystery 

The power of earthly science tries to solve, 

But tries in vain(a) ; — revealed themselves to sight, 

Peopled by thrones, dominions, angel powers. 

Who spend eternity in praising God. 

Then to my ear came sounds of music sweet. 

The golden spheres were full of harmony. 

In full-toned bass of flaming seraphim. 

And child-like sounds of innocence and love. 

Was sung the praise of Heaven's Eternal King. 

Now glided by, on Mercy's errand bent. 

Those beauteous forms of purity and love. 

Who sang loud praises when the earth was made ; 

And since, in kindly sympathy for man, 
a3 



14 THE SPIRIT WORLD. 

Have watched his spirit's progress, dried his tears, 
Defended him from harm, and whispered thoughts 
Of hope and peace, when sorely tried by sin. 

These new delights had so entranced my mind, 

I noticed not that one was by my side. 

A thrilling touch, with sweet electric power, 

Directed my regard : but, oh ! no tongue 

Of mortal eloquence can e'er describe 

My spirit's rapture, when I saw her form, 

So dear to memory, and so much beloved; 

More beautiful than e'er she seemed on earth. 

Revealed distinctly to my ardent gaze. 

Her dark eyes beamed with love ; a rosy hue 

Of health celestial bloomed upon her cheek ; 

And on her brow sat intellectual light. 

Like kindred drops, we joined in blest embrace. 

She then began : 

" My bliss is perfect now, 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 15 

Since thou art here. How oft with watchful care 

I saw thy spirit sorely tried by sin ; 

And might have feared that thou wouldst fail at last, 

But for the scroll, by God's foreknowledge penned, 

For angel minds and spirits saved to read, 

Which pointed to this hour. Though wounded much 

In dreadful battles with the hosts of hell, 

The balm of Gilead made thy spirit whole, 

And this glad day thy triumph is complete." 

I thus replied : 

" VVhen thou wast ta'en away. 
Afflictions but commenced. My straggling soul 
Was like a bark by hurricanes assailed 
In tropic seas. Sudden the storm-cloud burst. 
And half o'erwhelmed, then whirling round in air. 
From opposite direction came again, 
With ten-fold fury ; but my Pilot's skill 
At length availed to bring me into port. 

In all these trials, now my spirit's eye 
a4 



16 THE SPIRIT WORLD. 

Can trace the wisdom and the love of God. 
My mind was humbled, and inord'nate love 
Was chastened by the rod in Mercy's hands. 
On earth, I feared that I should ne'er attain 
To share with thee the joys of endless life ; 
Yet now I see thee and commune again. 
How kind is He, who ruleth all things well. 
To send thee first to welcome me to bliss !" 
Again she spake : 

" Soon as the heavenly place 
I gained, and heard the sentence of my joy, 
Thy prayer was offered, that the promise made 
Between us ere I left, be ratified. 
My spirit leaped to see th' approving smile, 
And hear the blest command which sent me here. 
To minister to all thy spirit's wants. 
Nor for a moment ever leave thy side, 
Till thou wast saved from all the power of ill. 
Not I alone, howe'er ; an angel band, 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 17 

My blest associates, wait in yonder grove : — 
Thither wer hasten, ere we wing our flight, 
Through realms of glory, to the throne of God." 
I acquiesced, she clasped in hers my hand. 
And quick as thought, the place appeared in view. 



END OF BOOK J. 



A:> 



THE SPIRIT WORLD 



BOOK II. 



a6 



ARGUMENT. 



The spirit introduced to angelic society. The grove. The song 
of welcome. Work of guardian spirits. The crown of victory. 
Powers of spirits. Argument for the gradual development of bliss. 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 

BOOK II. 

A paradise it was, where poets' minds 

Could banquet on delights, or minds devout 

Find themes for meditation or for praise. 

Upon the moss-grown rocks, which towered around. 

The stately cedar grew, and waved its boughs ; 

And near the silver stream, which murmuring ran. 

The beauteous lily raised its modest head, 

Unconscious of the blast, and spread abroad 

Its waxen petals to th' admiring gaze. 

The Amaranth, and Rose of Sharon, here 

In all their native loveliness were seen. 

Sweet odors filled the air, while, from the trees. 

The nightino-ale sent forth his sweetest sono;. 

DO O 

The evening star in trembling beauty shone, 



22 THE SPIRIT WORLD. 

Half veiled with light ; for now the full-orbed moon 
Had fixed her throne high in the vault of heaven. 

The angel band, who waited our approach, 

In armour clad of brightly burnished gold j 

Now thronged around, and welcomed me, with strains 

Which half o'erwhelmed me with intense delight. 

They sang : 

" The cares and woes of earth are gone. 
And all which can disturb thy peace. 

The battle 's won. 
Thy conquering soul can rest at ease ; 
The toilsome race for endless life is run. 
Here all is peace and joy j 
And pleasures never cloy ; 
An endless prospect 's ours. 

To grow in knowledge, bliss, and love, 
And occupy our powers. 

While heavenly cycles move. 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 23 

To all our bliss we welcome theCg 

Washed in the atoning blood 

Of Christ, the Lamb of God ; 

Who now, exalted high, 
Rules o'er the thrones of light in heaven, 

And guides the armies of the sky ; 
His word is given, 

And fiends of darkness fear and fly. 
While victory is proclaimed to souls forgiven." 

The seraph chief, with mien of majesty 

And gentleness in union sweet combined. 

Approached me then. — A star-gemmed crown he bore. 

Whose living light shed radiance around. 

"Brother," he said, "all hail! in me behold 

The guardian spirit of thy earthly life, 

Ureli named. A thousand cherub minds 

Obey my rule in all that God commands. 

Since thou wast born, our power has been employed 



24 THE SPIRIT WORLD. 

To guide thy feet in peaceful Virtue's path, 

And shield from harm ; but not to force thy will ; 

This could we not, for God has made it free. 

Our duty now requires that we should show 

Thy youthful knowledge much that could be known 

Only in part till now, then guide thy soul 

To that bright world, the central sphere of all. 

Where God reveals the glory of his name. 

But first receive, by His command, the crown 

Of victory, to patient virtue due." 

Upon my head he placed the diadem ; 

And spake again : " Thy powers are much increased, 

Beyond thy thoughts, ere Death had set thee free 

From matter's gross, corrupting, sensual form. 

If wiliest thou, swifter than rays of light 

Thy spirit flies, or slower wings its way. 

Thy sight can reach the farthest nebula(a) 

That shines in space, behold its numerous suns, 

And planets, too; or, with minuter skill, 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 25 

Can trace the forms of creatures, smaller far 
Than earthly science ever showed to man. 
Thou canst commune with angels of all grades, 
With righteous souls made perfect through the Lamb ; 
And act on minds yet shrined in earthly forms, 
Unseen by them. But thou wilt learn, ere long. 
By observation, more than I can say." 
This said, he turned ; my dear companion came. 
And led me through the quiet beauteous grove. 

" I need not tell thee, loved one," I began — 
For spirits pure need not the power of speech. 
Though often used as means of greater joy ; 
Each mind reflects the thoughts of those around, 
Repels the bad, and sweet communion holds 
With all the good, by strong attraction drawn — 
" How much surprised I am at all I see j 
For I had thought no time elapsed between 
My spirit's freedom from its bonds of clay 



26 THE SPIRIT WORLD. 

\ 

And perfect bliss close by the throne of God." 
She thus replied : 

" While thou wast in the flesh, 
Thy thoughts were dream-like, vague, and scarcely 

formed, 
Respecting things divine, or heavenly joy. 
As in a mirror dark, the outlines seemed 
Scarcely defined ; but now the shadowy forms 
Of truth give place to their reality. 
Fitting it is that thou shouldst learn of much 
That once seemed dark, confused, and intricate ; 
And knowledge only comes by gradual search. 
He only knows all things, whose essence pure 
Filleth the wide expanse of universe. 
Whose will is truth, whose ways are just and good." 

Conversing thus, we walked in peaceful mood 
Over the velvet grass, which yielded not 
Beneath our feet, until the star of eve 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 27 

Was hid behind the distant mountain-range. 

Returning then, we found the angel-band 

Prepared for journey, on some mission bound. 

Taking our places by Ureli's side, 

Our flight commenced. Slowly we moved along, 

Communing oft in strains of holy love. 

Or chanting praises to the Great Supreme. 



END OF BOOK IT. 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 



BOOK III. 



ARGUMENT. 



The work of angels in carrying out the design of God's provi- 
dence in the world. A city by moonlight. A band of wicked 
souls. A pious youth. A rich sinner wooed, and his schemes 
defeated. 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 



BOOK III. 

Before our sight, a city soon appeared, 

Whose domes and spires were frosted o'er with light, 

Shed by the moon, whose slanting rays revealed 

The stately palaces, where Riot late. 

With foul Debauch, had held high festival. 

The streets were quiet now ; the patrol's foot. 

Monotonous, made silence more profound. 

Yet spirit forms, for good or ill intent, 

Glided along, unseen by mortal man. 

As on we sped, a wail of deep despair 
Greeted our ears, more piercing far than hers 
Who sees her child struck down by sudden death. 
A seraph band, in golden armor clad, 



32 THE SPIRIT WORLD. 

And armed with darts of forked electric fire, 
A sinful group conducted to the place 
Of punishment, by holy Justice made, 
Where each receives according to his deeds. 

Of all her finery stripped, the votary 

Who bowed at Fashion's shrine, and decked herself 

With ribbands, lace, and rings, and braided hair, 

And dressed in purple silk, but never cared 

To decorate her mind, or aught prepare 

For Death's dread summons to her sinful soul. 

In nakedness was seen j but oh, how changed ! 

Instead of rosy, dimpled cheeks, and eyes 

That rivalled those of Eastern antelopes, 

Were haggard looks, sallow and wrinkled skin. 

While o'er her flesh were canc'rous ulcers foul. 

The mask of innocence had given place 

To features of despair and anguish keen. 

With piercing scream of agony, she cried, 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 33 

" Fool that I was to court the smiles of men, 
And deck with pride my earthly, mortal part, 
Though heaven entreated, and though warned of 

Death ! 
Now I can see that every effort made 
To ornament the flesh, with thoughts of pride, 
The soul corroded, and its powers debased." 

Aside from her, appeared the form of one 
Whose rolling eyes and sunken cheeks proclaimed 
The gnawing pangs of hunger felt within. 
With trembling steps, he slowly walked along, 
Cursing the love of gold which filled his soul. 
And caused neglect through life of better things. 

Here, too, was seen the man of deepest crime, 
Who at the cause of truth a dagger aimed. 
And for concealment wore a saintly garb. 
None louder talked, or holier seemed than he, 



34 THE SPIRIT WORLD. 

Or prayed with half such noise and blustering 

zeal. 
With sanctimonious visage, he would talk 
Of love to God, and all the human race ; 
Nor were his own good deeds o'erlooked by him. 
Yet wisdom knew him, for his piety 
Was overacted, and his words were vain. 
I saw him once ; within the church he knelt 
Among the saints, yet gazed on all around : 
My glance he caught, then rolled his eyes to heaven, 
And moved his lips, to show me that he prayed. 
He now appeared a putrefactive mass 
Of rottenness, abhorred by fiends themselves. 

Near him was seen, in wretchedness allied. 
The usurer, who used his hellish arts 
T' oppress the poor, and aggrandize himself. 
In him combined all characters of sin — 
Deceiver, thief, and hypocrite profound. 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 35 

In friendship's guise, he sought the tradesman poor, 

And urged him on his ventures to increase, 

That he might reap the profit of the whole. 

As spiders foul their silken meshes weave 

T' entrap the fly, so labored he on earth. 

His end was gained ; wealth, fame, and bliss secured ] 

When Death's strong hand his guilty spirit seized. 

And punished him with torments complicate. 

Around these wretched souls a troop of fiends 

Mimicked their groans of wo, with horrid glee. 

One I observed — whose form was terrible 

Beyond what poets feign of harpies foul — 

Drag to the usurer a human soul, 

The victim of his wiles: — " Know'st thou this man, 

The wretched suicide, whom thou didst send, 

By robbery and fraud, to our dark den ? 

Co-laborer of hell, we welcome thee !" 

Thus spake the fiend ; — another held a glass 



36 THE SPIRIT WORLD. 

Before her face who followed Fashion's laws ; 
And others mocked the miser's pain with gold. 

This group passed by; we progressed through the 

streets, 
Resarding not the mansions of the o-reat, 
Where pampered slaves of luxury reside ; 
Yet soon we stopped before a mean abode, 
Where dwelt a youth, to modest virtue known. 
His aims were pure to benefit his kind; 
Though small his means, and much confined his 

sphere. 
Yet hoped he still, that future circumstance, 
By God ordained, his usefulness would aid. 
Before his door an evil spirit lurked, 
Watching his time, temptations to suggest, 
And lead the soul astray in paths of sin. 
As we approached, reluctantly he fled, 
Fearing the sight and power of spirits blest. 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 37 

The youth we found in peaceful slumbers wrapt, 
Reclining on his couch ; his parted locks 
Revealed a brow as alabaster fair, 
The throne of thoughts sublime, which filled his 

soul 
With burning zeal, and love the most intense. 
Our leader then, with powers which angels use. 
To dreams of future life his fancy moved. , 
Within a crowded hall he seemed to stand, 
With voice uplifted in the cause of truth. 
All eyes were fixed on him, and every thought 
Responded to his own. Like gentle dew. 
His words descending, influenced every mind 
To holier thouo;hts of God and human rio-hts. 
The scene then changed. He looked upon the earth, 
And misery beheld in league with sin ; 
Then penned his thoughts in earnest, truthful words. 
Which won their way to every human heart. 
And waked the nations from their sensual dreams 



38 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 



Of mad ambition, slavery, and fraud. 

Another change revealed his own reward. 

On earth — neglect, and poverty, and pain. 

Half-friends estranged, and even true friends cold, 

And usefulness delayed till after death. 

In heaven — a bright, unfading crown of joy. 

The youth awoke, and, kneeling by his couch. 

He prayed for strength divine, to bear the toil 

Of patient effort in the work of love. 

One of our band we left to aid his thoughts ; 

And journeyed thence. 

A rich man's palace door 
Delayed our steps ; for there a spirit stood. 
With air of sadness, waiting our approach. 
" Within these walls," he said, " resides my charge, 
Whose soul is steeped in sensuality. 
No power, alas ! have I to rouse his will, 
Since he has given himself to hell's control. 
E'en now a band of fiends his chamber fills, 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 39 



Leading his spirit further from his God. 

To acts of violence they urge him on 

Against his poor but virtuous tenantry. 

Numbered among them is the wife of one, 

Who, while he lived, a pattern was to all 

That saw his deeds of modest, humble worth. 

Through imperfection great of human law, 

The tyrant has at length advantage gained. 

And seeks t' improve, assisted still from hell." 

Grieved at his words we stood. Ureli then 

Passed with him through the door. The fiends stood 

back, 
Not risking to contest the seraph's power, 
While he, with better thoughts, opposed their plan. 
'T was all in vain. With sadness he returned. 
And seemed to muse. Calling a spirit forth. 
He bade him hasten to the abode of one 
Whose generous works of charity were known 
To lead his footsteps toward the widow's home. 



40 THE SPIRIT WORLD. 

And prompt him to relieve in time of need. 
Thus Providence, by angel hands, supplies 
The humble poor, subverts the schemes of hell, 
And comforts most when earthly hope has failed. 



END OF BOOK III, 



THE SPIEIT WORLD 



BOOK IV. 



AEGUMENT. 



The subject continued. Sabbath morning. Sunday school 
children. A fiend of darkness. The pulpit guarded. Preparation 
for flight. The hymn of praise. 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 

BOOK IV. 

But now the morning sun had tinged the sky 

With beauteous light. The clouds which near him slept 

Were edged with gold, while those which further 

strayed. 
Were clothed in purple, or with crimson blazed. 
'T was Sabbath morn, which holy peace distils 
Upon the earth, and leads to thoughts of heaven. 

Passing along, we heard the chime of bells. 
Calling the children to the house of prayer. 
For kind instruction in the word of life. 
Group after group we passed, whose little hearts 
Knew not the source of thoughts which filled them 
then. 



44 THE vSPIRlT WORLD. 

But only knew they tended to their good. 

A tiny form among them was accompanied 

By one who loved and nurtured him on earth : 

A mother's sainted spirit led her boy, 

With joyous speed, to seek the shrine of love, 

To learn of God, his duty, and of heaven. 

Next we surprised a potentate of hell, 

With giant strides approaching near the church. 

Whither his band, with hasty steps, had gone. 

In warlike attitude, each angel stood, 

While each bright falchion gleamed with heavenly 

light. 
Ureli's eyes flashed fire ; and I began 
To look for battle fierce. The fiend stood still. 
As some stupendous pine, which rears its head. 
Though scarr'd with lightning, in the face of heaven, 
And spreads abroad its haughty arms, he stood. 
His height was vast ; his form yet bore the stamp 
Of majesty and grace, but fallen far 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 45 

Below th' original ; upon his head 
Was placed an helmet, dark with sable plumes ; 
And in his hand he held a mighty spear. 
With haughty, dark, malignant look, he gazed 
Awhile on our array, then quailed, and spake : 

" Ureli," thus he said, " I know your strength. 

And angel purity, nor will I now 

Contend, where contest would be all in vain. 

Your God permits that we should tempt the good 3 

So stay me not, lest ye be found t' oppose 

His holy will." The seraph answered him : 

" False fiend, thy sophistry will not avail. 

For well thou know'st our power is e'er employed 

To thwart the schemes, and crush the strength of hell. 

Plead'st thou the will divine, found in revolt 

Against thy God and Ruler 1 Rebel proud ! 

E'en now thou plottest to resist his word. 

Within the hallowed precincts of his house. 

Though many souls may now thy counsel hear, 

B 



46 THE SPIRIT WORLD. 

Yet learn, foul spirit, that thy time is short. 
Thou and thy peers, in chains of darkness bound, 
Within the pit of fire confined, shall lie 
For thousand ages. Then your power shall cease j 
And Earth, redeemed, shall hymn the praise of God. 
We loose thee now 5 but know, the sacred desk 
Employs our care ; should ye approach, expect 
To feel the force of our celestial arms." 
With sullen wrath, he moved. 

Within the church 
We entered then, and round the pulpit flocked. 
To guard the spirit of the man of God 
From hell's attacks, while he proclaimed the plan 
Of sovereign mercy through the blood of Christ. 
Faithful he was, and urged the plea divine 
With winged words, and holy, burning zeal. 
Not fruitless was his aim ; his arguments 
Were fixed that day in many minds ; and hearts 
Which never owned submission, bowed to God. 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 47 

The service o'er, we hastened from the place, 
And left the church and city far behind. 

Now on a hill, with ample verdure clad, 

Our steps were stayed. There other spirits walked. 

In active thought, ready our flight to join. 

Some, with inquiring eye, the essence sought 

Of vegetable life ; while others marked 

Th' effects of light, and heat, and subtle force 

Of fire electric, or traced out with skill 

The curious mechanism of each flower. 

To me Ureli spake : 

" My brother, thou. 
By observation, know'st of angel power 
Employed on earth, among the sons of men ; 
But now to other worlds my presence guides 
Thy spirit's progress, where the power of sin 
Is all unfeared — unknown, save by report 

Of passing angels ; — Yet, before we leave, 
b2 



48 THE SPIRIT WORLD. 

'T is fitting we should join in praise to God." 
Then to the rest he turned, and bade them sing. 

With silvery lyres, and trumpet's louder notes, 
Each voice was joined in perfect harmony. 
But ne'er to man, still burdened with the flesh, 
And chained to earth, such thrilling sounds may 

come. 
Compared with these, the oratorio, 
Majestic and sublime, and melodies 
Deemed soft and sweet, are harshest discord all. 
The sentiments were these, though feebly told : 

" Eternal Father, God of truth and light. 
Enthroned on high, 'mid blazing glory bright ; 
And thou, co-equal Son, and Holy Ghost, 
Adored by all the blest angelic host, 
And men redeemed, who give thee constant praise. 
Accept the humble tribute of our lays. 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 



49 



" Before the sapphire sky was decked with spheres, 
And ere began the stream of rolling years, 
Before a seraph glowed around thy throne, 
Thy power unbounded, and thy glories shone. 
And thou shalt live, enshrined in wondrous light. 
When earthly beauties end in darkest night. 

" When rude disorder ruled, and chaos vast 
Had o'er the universe deep shadows cast, 
Thy spirit's powerful word dispelled the gloom. 
And bade the wonders of Creation bloom. 
Then light ethereal shone, and scenes sublime 
Ushered the birth of man, and flight of time. 

" Though man, ungrateful, spurned thy gentle 

sway, 

And ceased thy mild and righteous laws t' obeyj 

Though no created arm availed to save. 

Thy power can rescue from the soul's dark grave. 
b3 



50 THE SPIRIT WORLD. 

Through Jesus' love, the adamantine chain 
Of sin may broken be, and rebels reign. 

" Thou art alone, Lord, the source of bliss, 
And all our spirit's powers, and heavenly peace, 
Are gifts from thee. Help us to render still 
Our ready service, and perform thy will. 
To thy great name be endless blessings given. 
By all thou hast on earth, and all in heaven." 



END OF BOOK IV. 



THE SPIRIT WORLD 



BOOK V. 



ARGUMENT. 



The employmenl of spirits in other worlds. Glories of the 
firmament. A binary system of stars. Halt on one of its planets. 
The inhabitants. Their city and temple. History of the earth, 
and the plan of redemption communicated to them. The ancestor 
of the race. The flight resumed. 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 

BOOK V. 

The song being o'er, we soared from earth away, 
Above the fluid air, through ether thin ; 
Our course directing to another sphere, 
Without an effort more than power of will. 

Unnumbered stars, invisible on earth, 
Like glittering dust, adorned the firmament. 
Which else, through infinite extent, was dark. 
Some of them shone with white and vivid rays. 
And others blazed with purple, green, or gold. 
All hues of light were here displayed by suns, 
In groups, and systems, complicate and vast. 
With one accord, each spirit swept the lyre. 



54 THE SPIRIT WORLD. 

And raised the voice, through ecstasy intense. 
We sang : 

" How great and marvellous, Lord, 
Are all thy works ! In wisdom, thou hast made 
The universe, whose beauties all proclaim 
Thy power and skill divine, who wast, and art, 
And shalt be still, unchangeably the same." 

With more than lightning speed, we swiftly flew. 

Till earth had vanished, and the glorious sun 

Diminished to a star, whose slender beam 

Was scarcely noticed 'mid the countless throng. 

Another system occupied our thoughts, 

Where two bright suns dispensed a colored light,(6) 

Crimson and blue, and tinged the sky around 

With purple splendor. 

On a beauteous world 
Which owned their sway, we stayed our rapid flight. 
There mountains stand of crystal amethyst, 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 55 

Which changed to sapphire, or to jasper red, 
As either sun or both appeared on high. 
The landscape varied, too, and every change 
More lovely seemed, and ministered to bliss. 

Upon a fertile plain, beside a lake, 

A splendid city stood. Not Babylon, 

Nor Thebes, in all their glory, showed such wealth, 

Or architecture vast, or ornament. 

Marble propylse, sapphire arches, walls 

Of jacinth bright, capacious domes, we saw ; 

The work of vigorous hands and thoughtful minds. 

The blest inhabitants, of stature tall. 

And graceful form and mien, were all employed 

In cheerful thought, searching the laws divine 

On matter stamped, or in the powers of mind. 

The city entered, all our band repaired 
Within a temple large, whose walls were built 



56 " THE SPIRIT WORLD. 

With spotless marble, and its ample dome 
Of golden topaz, whose transparent light 
Shed brilliant lustre round. Simple and chaste 
The whole appeared. No gaudy tinsel show 
Regard attracted, or divided thought. 
A single stand of polished emerald 
Was all the furniture within the walls, 
Though ornaments profuse were seen without. 

A herald spirit from the band was sent 

To call the multitude. With buoyant step. 

And pleasant countenance, they thronged the hall. 

Expecting to receive new cause for joy. 

Ureli then directed me to speak 

Respecting Earth, and saving grace to man. 

With willing zeal I rose, and thus began : 

" Ye happy ones, in whose abodes of bliss 
No sin is found, or pain, or want, or care, 



TPIE SPIRIT WORLD. 57 

Whose days are spent in innocent employ, 

And nights in peaceful slumber, how can I 

Unfold to you the wretchedness and crime 

In which my own unhappy race are found 1 

Or how can I explain the love divine 

Which rescues us from wo, and bids us reign 

As kings and priests with Christ, the Lamb of God ? 

Both are beyond my skill ; yet much I may 

Reveal as cause for wonder and for praise. 

" Tempted by him who discord sowed in heaven, 
'Mid angel bands, the first of human kind 
Fell from his state of innocence and bliss. 
And tainted all his sons. 

" Long time has sin 
Ruled o'er the hearts of men, and cursed the earth 
With misery profound. With guilt came pain, 
Sorrow, and want, and toil, followed by Death. 
The god-like human form has wasted been. 



58 THE SPIRIT WORLD. 

And human life has dwindled to a span. 
Murder, and Fraud, and Lust, have sat as kings 
Upon the earth, and marshalled warlike hosts 
In dreadful battle, till the world became 
One wide Golgotha, and its verdure rank 
Nourished with human blood and wet with tears. 
Men against men have warred with deadly hate ; 
And not content with quick and bloody strife, 
Have cruelty refined. With tortures slow, 
The stronger tyrants crush the energies 
Of those subdued. Thus Slavery began, 
Which withers, like a blight, each fertile land 
Where it is found. Yet not to these alone 
Has sin been e'er confined : — in daring high 
The crimes of men have never known a bound. 
Th' Eternal One has been himself denied ; 
And chance, or fate, or idols, in his stead, 
Have worshipped been. 

" Yet men were often warned. 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 59 

God's mercy left them not, but spared them still, 
And sent them messengers of peace and love, 
Wooing them ever to receive his grace. 
Sometimes his justice, that they might beware. 
Made strong expression of his righteous wrath. 
Witness the flood, which covered all the heights, 
And drowned the world ; one family alone 
Was saved, to populate the earth once more. 
Again, the cities of the plain became 
A spectacle of vengeance for their crimes. 
Consumed by sulph'rous flames. 

" Not all in vain 
Were these examples and these efforts made. 
Some of the race were found in every age 
To flee from sin, and, trusting to the word 
Of gracious promise, that the Great All-wise 
Would find a ransom for the soul of man 
Rested in hope. 

«* At length, as long foretold, 



60 THE SPIRIT WOULD. 

The glorious time arrived, and Christ appeared — 

The Deity in man — to die for sin, 

That man might be redeemed. His precious blood 

Was shed with suffering great. On him was laid 

The sinfulness of all. Thus wrath divine 

Was intercepted ; Holiness and Love 

In concord sweet were joined; pardon and peace 

Secured to all who seek with penitence, 

And humbly trust the mercy of their God. 

" Yet many spurn the offer of his love. 

Or slight his calls, unwilling to be saved. 

For such there is no hope. The only plea 

Which can avail for sin, if laid aside. 

Nothing remains but fierce and burning wrath. 

But others ask, with humble, contrite souls, 

His pardoning grace, and hear the voice of love. 

Which whispers peace within their troubled hearts, 

Inspiring confidence and holy joy. 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 61 

A short probation then completes the work, 
And they are brought to realms of endless bliss. 

" Thus, from the depths of misery and sin, 

My soul was saved. O wondrous power of love ! 

Ye blessed ones, assist my grateful song ; 

For I am lost in great astonishment. 

The strong emotions of my raptured mind. 

Too big for utterance, forbid my words, 

O join my praise, with joyful heart and lip, 

And sounding lyre ! Yet when your sweetest notes 

Are joined with all the melodies of heaven, 

They all unworthy are the glorious theme." 

O'erwhelmed with joy, I ceased ; and there was poured 

A tide of harmony from every tongue. 

Not the loud organ, pealing through the aisles 

Of some cathedral vast, with swelling tones. 

And diapasons sweet, could equal be. 
c 



62 THE SPIRIT WORLD. 

This o'er, we left the hall, and converse held 
With one who seemed the parent of the race, 
Thouorh ao-e had touched him not. Immortal life 

D O 

Feels not the effect of time. Yet knowledge vast. 
And influence, had given an air of thought 
And energy superior to the rest. 
With many questions, he pursued the themes 
On which I dwelt, till satisfied, at length. 
He left our company, wonder and praise 
Expressing at the love Divine, which saves 
Rebellious man. The seraph chieftain then 
Directing, we resumed our onward flight. 



END OF BOOK V. 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 



BOOK VI. 



c2 



AEGUMENT. 



The place of punishment. In sight of heavenly glory. A 
solitary globe of fire. Various characters of sin and sorts of 
torment. Eternal Death and his ministers; Despair, Remorse 
and "Wrath. Justice of punishment shown from the universal 
knowledge of duty. This seen even among savages. 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 

BOOK VI. 

Now the bright centre of the universe' 

With vivid glory gleamed. On earth its light 

Is brightest of Night's train of brilliant stars, 

And in that ancient land where flows the Nile 

Was Sirius named, and worshipped as Divine(c). 

Perhaps their minds retained'some knowledge dim 

Of its true character, as source of light 

And influence through all the realms of space. 

Before our path appeared a lurid globe 

Of liquid fire, which rose in mountain waves. 

Boiling intensely ; casting up a scum 

Of hardened lava, piled in awful hills ; 

To be again submerged by furious storms. 
c3 



66 THE SPIRIT WORLD. 

Such was the place prepared by Justice stern, 
To be th' abode of those who spurn His love. 
There sight, and sound, and every faculty 
Of mind or body, is an inlet made 
Of pain severe. 

No sun illumes the day. 
Yet as the globe slow on its axis turns 
The guilty damned behold the distant rays 
Of heavenly glory shine, reminding them of what 
Was offered, spurned, or bartered for the joys 
Of momentary sin. Now through the years 
Of spirit-life, which ne'er can be destroyed. 
Their solitary world of misery 
Shall roll, without a gleam of hope or joy — 
Example great to all created minds. 

Within this prison-house of guilt, we saw 
Most wretched spirits, punished for their crimes. 
Haunted by keen Remorse, who chased their flight 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 67 

With whips of steel, poisoned with conscious guilt, 
They sought relief by plunging in the flood, 
But sought in vain. 

Here Judas howled 
With agony intense ; for memory of his sin 
Clung to his soul in lowest depths of hell, 
And proved his fierce tormenter in the flame. 

Here Cain was seen, who raised a murderous hand 

Against his brother's life. His sons in crime — 

Nimrod the hunter, who, in pride of strength, 

Usurped dominion o'er his fellow men. 

And many kings, though conquerors named on earth. 

Who murdered men in wholesale butchery, 

Called war and glory by a sinful race — 

Partook of punishment alike in kind, 

Though difl?ering in degree, as each had sinned. 

Retaining still each feeling of the soul 

Which prompted them to hate with bitterness 



68 THE SPIRIT WORLD. 

Their more successful rivals, here they strove 
In conflict fierce, with horrid oaths and cries, 
Till all were covered in the fiery lake. 

All characters of sin ; the lewd, profane, 
And covetous, robbers^ and slanderers. 
False priests, and hypocrites j were here descried 
In torments various. 

Some of these souls 
In caves of lava tried to hide from pain. 
By fiends or men pursued ; but sorrows new 
Greeted them there. The bellowing storm of wrath 
Which lashed the burning waves, each crevice 

found ; 
And roaring loud, with human voice, proclaimed. 
In mournful tones, the secret sins of life ; 
Or else reproached their stubbornness of will, 
Which would not yield to overtures of love. 
Here, too, were harpies seen, which screamed aloud ; 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 69 

Foul Hate and Fury, who with strong talons seized 
Each guilty soul, and tore with anguish fresh. 

Upon the plain, a company of men 

Had just arrived, laden with all their sins ; 

When lo ! appeared an awful shadowy form, 

In darkness clothed — his name Eternal Death. 

Sovereign of Hell he was, by God decreed j 

His ministers Despair, Remorse, and Wrath. 

Strange trembling seized each soul, and horrid 

fear, 
While he, with hollow voice, declared their doom. 
Then Wrath with darts of fire their spirits pierced, 
Kemorse applied the lash, and dark Despair 
Followed their flight, and screamed " Eternity ! 
No hope for sinners here ! Mercy has fled !" 
As fast they sped across the burning crust, 
The fiery flood broke through, and bore away 
Upon its dreadful billows all the group, 



70 THE SPIRIT WORLD. 

Whose cries of anguish filled the air, and rose 
Above the surge's roar and angry winds. 

With silent flight, we hastened from the place, 

Each mind reflecting on th' effect of crime. 

We felt the wrath was just, although severe ; 

For sin denies the sovereignty of God, 

Usurps supremacy, and would destroy 

The universal harmony of all 

Created things, breaking the chain of love 

Which binds all subjects to the throne of power. 

Nor can the sinner plead that he but erred ; 

For he was wooed, and warned. Duty was known. 

The darkest souls on earth have heavenly light. 

Though ignorance, and sin, and want, combined, 

Oft blunt the mental sense, degrade the soul. 

Shut up the book of life, and bind the heart 

With superstitious ties j yet none are found 

Unconscious of the right. The law of God, 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 71 

Of old proclaimed, has been declared to all. 
Tradition teaches, where no written word 
Is known. 

No plea is found which can excuse 
The crimes of men. God's spirit strives with all. 
Even the savage, as abroad he roams, 
Chasing the roe-buck, feels his spirit warm 
With thoughts of love ; and oft, when storms arise, 
When lightnings flash and awful thunders roar. 
Rending the air, he hears the voice of God 
Angry at sin 3 if then his stubborn will 
Refuses virtue, he deserves his doom. 
But greater punishment belongs to him 
Who scoffs at sacred things, or slights the word 
Of sovereign grace, revealed with mighty deeds, 
Stamping authority on every line. 

END OF BOOK VI, 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 



BOOK YII. 



ARGUMENT. 



Heaven. Welcomed by a company of friends. The beautiful 
landscape. Patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs seen. 
The New Jerusalem. The throne of light. The angels resign 
their charge. The conclusion. 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 

BOOK VII. 

Nearing at length the place of joy supreme ; 
A beauteous band, arrayed in flowing robes 
Of spotless white, approached with songs 
To welcome us. Among them many friends 
Once loved on earth appeared 5 and some whose souls 
Were pointed to the Lamb by feeble words 
Dropped from my lips, O ne'er can I express 
The bliss I felt as each bright form I saw ! 
With silvery notes they sang, " Welcome to joy 
Which never endsj our brother, and our friend! 
Victor through Jesus' love thy soul is crowned !" 

In conversation sweet, we mingled then 
Until we landed on the wide-spread plain. 



76 THE SPIRIT WORLD. 

Whose ever blooming verdure, bathed in light, 
Is watered by the stream of Life j whose trees 
Are ever laden with delightful fruit, 
And blossoms bright. A garden wide it is; 
Varied with hill and dale, which knows no curse. 
And needs no toil; where nectarous vines entwine 
In blissful bowers, with flowers of beauty strewn. 
Here dwell the good of every age and clime; 
With seraphim in flaming splendor clothed. 
And cherubim of purity and love ; 
Conversing oft on providence, and grace, 
And power divine throughout the universe. 

Thus Enoch walked ; retaining still the flesh. 
Though glorified, in which he preached to men 
Before the flood. 

With him was seen the man, 
Who faithful stood in a degenerate age, 
And boldly spake the word of God's command, 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. / 

To that vile monarch ; worst of Israel's race ; 
Who sought his life. He, without death, was brought 
In chariots of fire to heavenly bliss. 

Here Abraham beholds his numerous sonsj 
Not of the flesh alone, children of faith. 
For faith pre-eminent was found in himj 
Though sorely tried, when by Divine command 
He bound his Isaac for a sacrifice, 
And raised the knife to slay his only son: — - 
God was well-pleased, nor further proof required, 
But spared the father's tears, and saved the lad. 

Moses beholds again that glory shine, 
Which once on. Horeb's mount, partly displayed, 
Dazzled his sight ; and caused his face to shine, 
That Israel could not look without a veil 
On tho^ familiar features, 

David here, 



78 THE SPIRIT WORLD. 

And rapt Isaiah, sing in lofter strains 
Than those they uttered, when with souls on fire, 
By Inspiration kindled, they proclaimed 
Messiah's advent, and his glorious reign. 

With these, apostles join in songs of praise 
To Christ, their King, 

Here zealous Paul beholds 
The fruit of all his toil j millions redeemed 
From foul idolatry, and reason vain. 

The martyrs too, of every land, are seenj 
Who kept the faith through sufferings severe j 
By fire, and flood, and bloody torture tried. 
In mountain caves, in vales, or in the deep. 
Their bodies rest} their souls enrobed with light, 
Await the blessed time, when Jesus' voice 
Shall wake the dead; and make their joy com- 
plete. 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 79 

Now in our view appeared a snowy mount 

Of alabaster; blazing on its top, 

A city shone; the New Jerusalem. 

Its walls of jasper clear, were great and high ; 

But higher than these walls rose palaces 

And towers sublime, all built with virgin gold. 

Twelve gates it had, each gate a single pearl 

Of bright prismatic hue. Through one of these 

Entering, we saw its spacious streets of gold. 

As crystal clear; which opened to a throne 

Of light intense, which angel eyes behold 

With awe profound. Their faces covering 

As they approach ; they, " Holy, holy," cry ; 

"0, Lord of Hosts! How just are all thy 

ways, 

Thou King of saints ! We magnify thy name !" 

Before the throne extends a sea of glass 

Mingled with fire ; there blessed harpers stand, 

Singing the song of Moses and the Lamb, 
d2 



80 THE SPIPaX WORLD. 

Whose burden is the praise of holiness 
Displayed in every age by grace Divine. 

In adoration bowed, the angel guide 
His charge resigned j and gained approving smiles 
From Christ; who there appeared, in human flesh, 
Radiant with light ; the Sovereign Lord of Heaven. 

What joy I felt, as I beheld his face 

Of love ; his hands and feet once pierced ^ 

And heard his accents sweet proclaim, "W#Bl done!" 

Must rest unsung. No power of earthly words 

Can e'er express the rapture of my soul. 

In speechless awe ; and wondering gratitude ; 

I fell before his feet, and worshipped Him. 

Thus have I sung, the visions of my mind, 
Respecting things yet vaguely known on earth ; 
And oft by men unworthily conceived; 



THE SPIRIT WORLD. 81 

Though science points to distant starry worlds; 
And Inspiration tells of future bliss, 
Or dark unending wo, for all our race. 

O Thou, whose Spirit prompts each virtuous thought, 
Impart thy blessing to my feeble lays ; 
For if unblessed by thee, my work is vain. 
O may thy wisdom guide my trembling steps, 
Through earthly dangers, till I reach the goal 
Of my desires; and, glorified, I stand 
A miracle of love, in that bright world 
Of holiness and peace, where Jesus reigns. 
Then shall my song of gratitude and praise 
Burn with celestial fire ; and join the strain 
Of joyful melody which rolls through heaven. 



END OF THE SPIRIT WORLD. 



d3 



NOTES TO THE SPIRIT WORLD, 



(a) These " cloudy spots," or nebulae, are among the most 
mysterious objects known to astronomical science. They 
present to telescopic observation an appearance similar to the 
Milky Way as seen by the naked eye. Sir W. Herschell con- 
ceived them to be the material of which stars and planets are 
composed ; and he has been followed by many astronomers. 
This opinion is known by the name of "the nebular hypo- 
thesis." 

Since the foregoing lines were written, the great telescope of 
the Earl of Rosse has demonstrated that they are merely 
clusters of stars, at such immense distances that their light 
reaches us confusedly blended together, as is the case with 
the Milky "Way. 

(5) " All the fixed stars are supposed to be centres, or suns, 
of complete planetary systems." Many of the stars are 
found in double, triple, quadruple, and multuple systems, or 
groups, having various periods of revolution. " Many of the 
double stars are likewise observed to have different colors; 
as, for example, that of Bootes, one of which is a light red, 
whilst that of the other is a fine blue ; and the period of the 
latter's revolution was discovered to be 1681 years! That of 



NOTES TO THE SPIRIT WORLD. 



83 



Hercules, being double, presents the larger of the two of a 
beautiful blueish-white, while the smaller is a rich ash-color." 
— Nichols' Architecture of the Heavens, Note p. 139. 

(c) Sir W. Herschell judged, from the motions of the fixed 
stars, that our solar system performed a revolution through 
space around a distant centre. Since his time, much attention 
has been paid to this subject; and recently, Dr. Maedler, 
director of the Dorpat Observatory, has announced, as his 
opinion, that the Pleiades are in the centre of that group to 
which our sun belongs. The reasons which induce the author 
to consider Sirius as the grand central sun, are, its immense 
distance and vast magnitude. It is reasonable to presume that 
the central sphere must be larger than those which revolve 
around it, as the sun is larger than all the planets combined. 
Now, although the parallax of some of the stars has been 
determined, (that of 61 Cygni, for instance, proving it to be 
more than sixty-two billions of miles distant,) the distance of 
Sirius eludes the power of the most perfect instruments. Yet 
it is the largest and brightest of the visible fixed stars, proving 
its immense magnitude and great brilliancy. It remains for 
future discovery to confirm or disprove the supposition, as in 
the present state of astronomical science it is impossible to fix 
with certainty the point in question. 



SCENES 



FROM THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 



THE NATIVITY. 

Calm was the night. The moon, with slender arms 
Of silvery light, embraced a darkened sphere. 
Like heavenly Love, which woos a sinful world 
To light and joy. The beauteous stars of night. 
With sparkling eyes, looked down on Palestine, 
Sleeping in peace. The winds laid down to rest 
In groves of palm, and hushed their minstrelsy : 
When gentle shepherds watched their slumbering 

flocks 
On Bethlehem's plain. 

Their souls were touched with grief, 
Which Nature's beauties had no power to soothe ; 
For they had seen their nation homage pay 
To Roman power, till but a shade remained 



88 THE NATIVITY. 

Of sovereign rule ; yet still Messiah's reign 
Seemed long delayed. 

In sad communion joined, 
They sought relief in chanting olden psalms 
By prophets penned. With sound of plaintive 

flute, 
And dulcimer accompanied, thus they sang : 

'*= Shepherd of Israel, hear ! O God of Hosts ! 

Turn us again, and cause thy face to shine ) 

From Egypt thou didst bring thy favorite vine. 

And planted it within a fertile land ; 

Like cedars strong, its branches spread abroad. 

Till all the hills were covered with its shade. 

But now behold ! its hedges broken down, 

Invite each passenger to pluck its fruit. 

While savage beasts devour and tread it down. 

Return, O God of Hosts ! Look down from heaven ! 

Visit thy vine. Let thine Anointed come!" 



THE NATIVITY. 

The strain concluded, each one felt serene, 
Stronger in hope ; when lo ! before their sight 
An angel stood, blazing with glorious light. 
" Fear not," said he ; " Behold, I bring to you 
Tidings of joy, which all the world may share. 
For unto you is born, in David's town, 
Th' Anointed Lord and Saviour of the earth. 
Within the manger, wrapped in swaddling bands, 
The babe is seen!" 

Then suddenly appeared 
A numerous band descending from the skies, 
With joyful melody. Such music sweet 
Never before had greeted human ears. 
" Glory to God," they sang, " and highest praise ! 
For peace on earth, good will to men is found !" 

Now in the town the caravansery 
Quiet appeared, but from its stable shone 
A ray of golden light, and o'er the place 



89 



90 CHRIST WITH THE DOCTORS. 

A brilliant star was seen, which guided there 
The Eastern magi, who with gifts approached. 
Thither the shepherds came, with joyful steps. 
And with the grandees, bowed before the child, 
Whose gospel suits the wants of all our race, 
The rich and poor, the freeman and the slave. 



CHRIST WITH THE DOCTORS 

Now in the temple see the holy child. 
With flaxen ringlets clustering o'er his brow. 
In beauty standing 'mid a wondering crowd 
Of learned men. With heavenly wisdom filled, 
And strong in spirit, he inquires of them 
The meaning of traditions handed down 
By ancient rabbis. All perplexed they stand. 
And cannot answer. Again he asks of them. 



Christ's baptism. 91 

If customs interfere not with the law 
By God proclaimed from Sinai's burning mount. 
The gloomy scowl which sits on every brow 
Reveals the depths of sin and selfish pride 
Within each soul, which would, in after years, 
Refuse his message, and doom him to death. 



CHRIST'S BAPTISM. 

By Jordan's banks, where groves of tamarisks 
And oleanders, interspersed with palms. 
And willows green afford a pleasant shade, 
A multitude were seen, from Jericho, 
Jerusalem, and distant Galilee, 
A motley group : 

The Pharisee was here, 
With look austere, and broad phylactery ; 



92 Christ's baptism. 

And learned scribes, with air of conscious worth. 

And lip of scorn ; peasants, and citizens. 

With dark-eyed maids, and sober matrons grave, 

Were seen in groups reclining on the sward. 

With eager eyes attracted towards a man 

Who stood beneath a tree, with outstretched hands 

Preaching aloud, " Repent, the day is nigh 

So long desired. Messiah's reign is near!" 

Arrayed in camel's hair, with brow severe, 

He showed contempt of luxury and pomp. 

Fit messenger of Him whose kingdom rules 

O'er human hearts by power of grace alone. 

Those who believed his words of trumpet tone 

Were then baptised. Among them one appeared^ 

Whose form was fairest of the sons of men. 

The bank descending, on the golden sand 

He meekly knelt; but John forbade the rite. 

" Com'st thou to me," he said, " not worthy to unloose 



Christ's baptism. 93 

Thy sandal's latch ?" « Suffer it thus to be," 
Jesus replied ; "I must fulfil the law 
In every point." 

Directed thus, he poured 
The limpid stream upon his sacred head. 
Then Jesus prayed ) and heavenly glory shone 
From parted skies with undulating light. 
Dove-like upon him the blest spirit stayed, 
Which once on chaos brooded ; and a voice 
Was heard aloud, that all around might hear, 
" This is my well beloved Son, in whom 
Well pleased I am," 

Thus set apart he was. 
Sealed from above, his mission to declare. 



94 THE LEPER. 



THE LEPEK 



Within the desert waste, which stretches far 
Southward from Jericho — along the shore 
Of that dark sea, whose monumental waves. 
With sluggish motion, dash o'er palaces 
By God destroyed, when lustful Sodom dared 
Defy Omnipotence— a leper walked. 

For months he wandered, till his foul disease 

Had covered all his skin, and filled his frame 

With agony. By ceremonial law 

Pronounced unclean, he left his home and friends, 

A solitary, doomed, unhappy man. 

With sackcloth clothed, and on his head and lip 

A covering of ashes, when he heard 

A passing footstep, he was forced to cry 



THE LEPER. 



95 



Aloud " Unclean ! unclean !" that those who heard 
Might flee from taint. Nor could he quench his 

thirst 
From running stream, lest the infection spread. 

Most glad was he , oppressed with sultry heat 

At summer noon, to find a stagnant pool, 

Left by the rain, where he could bathe his brow, 

And wet his parched lips. 

Yet there was one 

Whose heart clung to him still. A dark-haired girl. 

His early love. She nightly stole away 

Beneath a grove of palms to give him food. 

And whisper hope to ease his bitter wo ; 

For she had heard of Jesus and his power 

And trusted in him as the Shiloh, sent 

Of God. 

Long time her words were all in vain. 

The stubborn will, encased in prejudice, 
e2 



96 THE LEPER. 

Refused to own Messiah in the poor 
Despised Nazarene. 

Melted at last 
Before her pleading, eloquent and pure, 
He sought the place where Jesus preached his word j 
There, falling at his feet, he worshipped Him. 
" Lord, if thou wilt," he said, while tear-drops fell, 
Which proved sincerity, " thou canst restore 
My perfect health." 

Promptly the answer came : 
" I will ! Be clean !" what a change appeared! 
His leprous scales fell off — his altered blood 
Coursed with delicious coolness through his veins ; 
His flesh restored, pure as a child's became ; 
And hope came back of usefulness and peace. 
He started to his feet, but joyful praise 
Had bound his tongue : he could not speak his thanks, 
But grateful tears proclaimed his happiness. 



THE widow's son RAISED. 97 



THE WIDOW'S SON RAISED. 



'T was morn. The radiant sun dispelled the mists 

From Tabor's brow, and cast a purple glow 

O'er oaks and shrubs which mantled all the mount. 

Kishon's bright stream glanced gaily in the light, 

And sweetly sang the birds in Jezreel's plain. 

But there was one in Naiu who heeded not 

The light of day : darkness was on her soul. 

Her widowed heart had lost its early friend 

Long since, the husband of her early love ; 

And now her only son was dead, she felt 

Each earthly prop was gone. 

Her boy had been 

A source of pride. She saw him climb the steep 

Of honorable fame with much success. 

What joy she felt when others spoke his praise, 
e3 



98 THE widow's son raised. 

Mothers alone may know. But now 't was o'er ; 
She saw him breathe his last. 

His comrades wept, 
She did not mourn alone. That day his corpse 
Was followed by a crowd of weeping friends. 
Slowly they moved, while passers-by stood still, 
And shook their heads, to think how fair a flower 
Had been cut down. 

Now near the city gate 
Jesus approached, and saw the mother's tears. 
His tender heart was touched with sympathy. 
" Weep not," said he, and came and touched the bier. 
The bearers stood : — Then with a voice of power, 
He cried, " Young man, I say to thee, arise !" 
The sheeted dead sat up. The gathered crowd 
Looked on with awe. The mother's heart was healed. 



THE TEMPEST CALMED. 



99 



THE TEMPEST CALMED. 



Within the vessel see the God-man lie, 

In peaceful slumber wrapt. The burning sun, 

Which all day long had parched the land with heat. 

Had sunk to rest beneath the western sea. 

Gennesareth was calm ; its glassy top, 

Broken alone by Jordan's rapid flow, 

Mirrored the stars which brightly shone above. 

But soon the southeast wind began to blow 

A sudden hurricane. The curling waves 

The current met, and broke above the ship 

With all their force. Then his disciples came, 

With trembling hearts, and cried, " Lord, save ! 

we 're lost !" 
Calmly he rose ; rebuked their fear ; then stood 
In god-like majesty erect, and said. 



100 THE AGONY IN THE GARDEN. 



To wind and water^ " Peace ! Be still !" And lo ! 
The winds were hushed — the raging billows calmed. 



THE AGONY IN THE GARDEN 



The last sad feast was o'er, and Jesus' words 

Of parting counsel cast an air of gloom 

O'er all who heard. All his disciples felt 

Presentiment of wo. With weeping eyes, 

And sorrowing hearts, they passed the eastern gate, 

Which leads to Olivet, seeking the place 

Frequented oft for musing and for prayer. 

Dark clouds swept o'er the sky, though moonlight 

beamed 
With fitful lustre o'er the olive grove. 
The winds went by with melancholy moan. 



THE AGONY IN THE GARDEN. 



101 



And Kedron murmured rough and sullenly. 
All Nature seemed to mourn, as if oppressed 
By sense of coming wrath. 

A spirit's eye 

Might there have seen dark fiends, which thronged 

the air 
Above the city, and the sacred spot 
Where Jesus came. This was the hour of hell ; 
And powers of darkness came to crush the strength 
Of heavenly love. Gethsemane became 
The place of conflict fierce. With holy zeal. 
Determined to redeem our sinful race, 
On that arena stood our blessed Lord, 
Contending still, though bruised with grief intense. 

Behold him now, his followers fast asleep, 
O'erpowered with weakness. Stretched upon the 

ground. 
He prays in agony. "If possible, 



102 THE AGONY IN THE GARDEN. 

Father ! let this cup of bitter wo 
Pass by. But still Thy blessed will be done !" 
He groans in spirit, till great drops of blood 
Ooze from his veins, with perspiration mixed, 
And wet the ground. Then came on wing of light 
A sympathizing angel, and communed. 
Strengthened he rose, and sought his sleeping ones j 
Mildly reproved, and bade them " Watch and pray !" 

Now with a band, by flaming torches led. 
The traitor comes, and apprehends his Lord ; 
Who willingly resigned himself to death. 
E'en as a lamb to slaughter led away. 



THE CRUCIFIXION. 103 



THE CEUCIFIXION. 



Now, stretched upon the cross, see Jesus hang 
Amid his foes ! Golgotha's eminence 

Is covered with a band of soldiery, 
With oaths uncouth, his garments parting there. 
Around the hill, the scowling Pharisees, 
With scribes, and citizens, deride his groans. 
Hell claps its hands triumphant, and on earth 
Is heard the taunting cry, " Others he saved. 
But cannot save himself." 

How meekly then 
The sufferer looked ! Tears mingled with the blood 
Which trickled down his cheeks from thorny wounds. 
With lifted eyes, he prayed, " Father, forgive ! 
They know not what they do !" 

But now his soul, 



104 THE CRUCIFIXION. 

Oppressed with inward pain, sees Justice stand, 

Grasping, with outstretched hand, the spear of Wrath, 

Claiming his death as sacrifice for sin. 

The iron entered, and he bowed his head ; 

Then cried, " 'Tis finished now ! The work is done ! 

Fatlier, to thee my spirit I commend!" 

And calmly died. 

The sun which rose that morn 
With lurid beams, struggling through tears of mist, 
Started aghast, and veiled his face of light 
With darkness thick. The earth reeled to and fro 
With sudden fright. The rocks asunder rent. 
The newly dead awoke ; and skeletons. 
Which long had rusted in the gloomy vaults, 
Were clothed with flesh, and walked again on earth. 
The God of Nature showed his wrath severe 
Against the crimes of men, and set his seal. 
By signs in heaven and earth, on Jesus' death. 



THE RESURRECTION. 105 



THE RESURRECTION. 

Two nights the Roman sentinels had paced 
Beneath the moon, before the tomb of Christ, 
Which seemed secure. Th' enormous stone remained 
With seal unbroken. 

'Twas the dawn of day. 
A single streak of rosy light appeared, 
Far in the east j when lo ! an earthquake shook 
The vaulted rock, and brake the seal in twain. 

Then, on swift wing, a flaming seraph came, 
And rolled away the stone. 

His lightning glance. 
And garb of purity, o'erwhelraed with fear 
The hardy men who never quailed before. 
Though tried in many a field of bloody war. 
Trembling they fell, and fainted on the ground. 



106 THE RESURRECTION. 

Now from the cave, in majesty sublime, 

The Saviour came, triumphant over death. 

His flesh refined, ethereal, and above 

Material laws, could no more suffer pain. 

That day the harps of heaven were tuned to joy, 

And myriad voices sang loud jubilee 

O'er man redeemed. 

The scheme was all complete, 
And Jesus' sacrifice the Father owned. 
Justice was pleased j her thirsty spear had drunk 
His holy blood, in whom was seen enshrined 
The Deity. Now Love could walk abroad 
With Holiness, wooing the sons of men. 

And there was joy on earth. The little band 
Who owned him Lord, soon heard the glorious news j 
And some beheld that day his well-known form. 
And heard his blessed voice pronouncing peace. 

THE END. 



- / 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



018 604 266 9 









-t -1- 


) 




i 




1 
( 



'■■■■ ■ I ^ 



i 



